** Stanton's Staff Selection - 2005 **
The spirit and scenery of Colorado's magnificent state parks are brought to vivid life in this expansive work. Bold, contemporary rhythms pulsating with a bevy of percussion instruments intermix with ethereal, Native American motifs and proud, inspirational melodies in movements entitled To Touch the Sky, Cloud Dances, and Colorado Dreams. The final movement, Pioneer Spirit and Celebration, is boisterous and Copland-esque in its dynamic rush to the finish. (8:41)